Thomas (Tom) Joseph Muhic, 83, passed away at home August 3, 2018. Tom was born on August 7, 1934 in Pueblo to Louis and Mary (Jerant) Muhic. While attending Western State College, he met and married his wife of 59 years, Joyce Thompson. Upon graduation, Tom embarked on a long career as a coach and educator, initially coaching multiple sports at Western State. In 1967, Tom moved his family to Pueblo and began his tenure at the University of Southern Colorado (now CSU-Pueblo) where he had a successful career as a Baseball Coach, Professor, Athletic Director and Dean of Education. In 1971, Thomas obtained his Ph.D. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation Administration from the University of Utah.
Tom was an accomplished high school and college athlete and a successful college coach. His 1966/67 and 67/68 swim team at Western State won a national Championship and he was named NAIA Coach of the year several times.
He was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame, CSU-Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame, and the Mountaineers Sports Hall of Fame. As a coach, he positively influenced many young men.
Throughout his life he enjoyed many memorable camping and fishing trips with his family, hunting, and later golf. Upon his retirement in 1985, he devoted his energy to his farming and ranching interests.
Tom was a well-respected man of integrity, grit and intelligence. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who had great love for his family.
He is survived by wife, Joyce; daughters, Teresa (Brad Funston) Muhic, Tawnya (Jim) Chott and Katheleen (Eric) Thurston; along with eight grandchildren, Kalyn Beasley, Sarah Manuel (Blas Yslas), Austin (Courtney) Chott, Marshall Thurston, Taylor Chott, Julia Thurston, Emily Thurston and Joseph Chott; sister, Lorrie (Stan) Mena; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by beloved daughter, Tamara Muhic; his parents, Louis Muhic and Mary Muhic-Beurman: and sister, Mary Lou Voytko.
Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Our Lady of the Meadows, 23 Starling Drive, Pueblo. Viewing will be from 9-10 a.m. prior to the Mass. Interment at Roselawn Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff at Sangre de Cristo Hospice for their loving care of Tom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice. Online condolences at www.tgmccarthy.com.
